Other Definitions
endurance riding (dict)
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Endurance RidingEndurance riding is an extremely strenuous sport, requiring the horse to complete, when competing at the top levels, up to 100 miles. Winning riders complete these 100-mile rides in 10-12 hours. Any breed can compete, but Arabians generally dominate the top levels because of their incredible stamina and natural endurance abilities. There are currently endurance rides world-wide, and many countries are gaining interest in the sport. Horses are regularily vetted on the ride, where they are checked for soundness and dehydration, and their pulse is taken. To continue the ride, the horse must pass the exam, including lowering their heart rate to 64 bpm, and any horse deemed too unfit to continue is eliminated. Riders must have a great knowledge of pace, and know when to slow down or speed up during the ride. They must also have great knowledge of their horse's condition and signs of tiring. In some countries, the winner is determined by a combination of their speed and the recovery rate of their horse. In other countries, no places are given, and awards are presented to any horse and rider that achieved a required standard. Endurance riding is governed by the FEI, which sets down rules with the welfare of the horse as top priority. One well known 100 mile endurance ride is The Western States Trail Ride, popularly called The Tevis Cup. External links *American Endurance Ride Conference
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